Art of the Lakes upcoming events

2026 Business Sponsorship (31 Oct 2025)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Art of the Lakes is preparing for a year filled with events, classes, and gallery visitors, and we invite you to join us as a business sponsor for 2026.

Benefits to All Sponsors

Increase your brand visibility and connect with new customers
Tap into 15,000 people annually who appreciate the arts
Help bring an estimated $540,000 annually to our local economy

Additional Benefits by Level

PLATINUM 2026

Logo with link on AOTL website
Recognition in our monthly newsletter (circulation 1,500+)
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)
Recognition in our Studio Tour brochure (4000 prints, deadline April 15, 2026)
Recognition in our Prairie Lakes Plein Air brochure (500 prints)
Recognition in our Art & Craft Affair brochure (3500 prints)

GOLD 2026

Logo with link on AOTL website
Recognition in our monthly newsletter (circulation 1,500+)
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)

SILVER 2026

Name with link on AOTL website
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)

BRONZE 2026

Name with link on AOTL website
Recognition on Sponsor Board in the Gallery (5,000 visitors/year)

2026 Prairie Lakes Plein Air Artist Registration (27 Feb 2026)

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome 2026 Artists!

The 2026 Prairie Lakes Plein Air event runs from June 20 to September 24. Paintings must be created in Otter Tail County, MN. For location suggestions, stop by Art of the Lakes Gallery, 108 Lake Ave S, Battle Lake, MN.

Important Dates

June 20 - September 24: Artwork Creation
June 20: Kickoff - Distribution of Participant Materials – Glendalough State Park Mary Boylan - Oil Workshop/ Paint-out
July 25: Greg Preslicka – Casein Workshop/ Paint-out, Henning Landmark Center
Aug. 9: Lisa Stauffer- Pastels Workshop/ Paint-out, Prairie Wetlands in Fergus Falls
Sept. 12 Stephen Henning Paint-out - Maplewood State Park
Sept. 17: Registration DEADLINE
Sept. 24 Artwork submission, artists social
Sept. 25 Judging, Collectors Awards Reception (ticketed)
Sept. 25 - Oct 24: Gallery exhibit/sales
Sept. 27 9 am - Post Event OPM Paint Out – Maplewood State Park
Oct. 26 -Nov: PLPA entries shown at The Kaddatz Gallery in Fergus Falls, MN
November TBA: Artwork to be picked up

Chip Wood Carving (21 Aug 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This will be an introductory class into the fun art of chip carving. Chip carving involves taking small chips out of a flat piece of wood to make a geometric design, and is one of the easiest forms of woodcarving for beginners to try. It can also be used to embellish things like wooden spoons.

In this class, students will learn basics such as laying out a design and keeping the knife sharp, then will work on a practice board to learn basic chip carving cuts. Students will have the opportunity to finish a small project such as a coaster or Christmas ornament to take home. No prior woodcarving experience needed, but as with other types of carving some degree of hand grip strength is necessary. Experienced carvers are welcome as well. Tools are available to use during this class.

$5 for materials payable to instructor at the class.

Member Appreciation Party (25 Aug 2026)

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Our Member Appreciation Party will be held Tuesday August 25 at Beach Bums on Otter Tail Lake. Social hour starts at 5:30 pm with dinner served at 6:00, followed by a short program highlighting the 2026 activities made possible by our wonderful volunteers! All members are invited to attend along with a guest.

3D Pumpkin Needle Felting (27 Aug 2026)

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

With Jill Beithon

Join Jill as she takes you through the process of creating 3D pumpkins to use in your fall decor. Participants will create up to 3 small felted pumpkins. Beginners and participants of all skill levels are welcome!

$15 materials fee payable to instructor at class

Watercolor Plus Ink (1 Sep 2026)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Students will bring in watercolor paintings they have done but are not happy with. Grace will show them how to perk up an almost discarded piece. We will also have an opportunity to start a new painting. Just a little ink can make all the difference!

Haverty Supply List AOTL-1.pdf

Plein Air at Maplewood with Stephen Henning (12 Sep 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

"A connection to nature is essential for our well-being. My contemporary Impressionist landscape paintings are designed to evoke a sense of serenity and closeness to the natural world.

"Focused on the healing and spiritual power of Nature, these images transform interior spaces. Your environment becomes more inviting and calming, whether in a home or business setting. My artwork uplifts the mood and soothes the senses.

"Enhance your space with art that resonates with nature’s tranquility.”
--Stephen Henning

Join Stephen Henning at Maplewood State Park for a day of plein air painting. Students can use any media to explore the beauty of this state park while Stephen comes around to each artist offering tips & techniques. Bring all of the supplies that you will need and a lunch.

A MN State Park pass will be required for entry.

Finger Knitting a Throw Blanket (15 Sep 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

September is that time of the year for cozy things! Come and join Heidi Hull as she teaches you how to "finger" knit a beautiful throw blanket to cuddle during the cool autumn evenings. This is a 2-part class. We will spend the first part of the class learning how to start the first row and continue to knit the following rows. You will take home your materials and continue to knit the blanket to size, then during the second part of the class 2 weeks later, Heidi will show you how to finish the throw.

$50 material fee per student payable to the instructor at the first part of the class

The Hook - Sept 17 (17 Sep 2026)

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Hook is an unscripted storytelling event inspired by The Moth (heard on NPR) and The Tell in Fargo. Come and watch live storytelling, or be brave and put your name in the hat to tell your own story.

This month's topic is "Falling," and eight storytellers will do their best to catch you in their short personal narratives.

Enjoy musical guests Joe and Katie Ahlfs. Headliners from The Fargo Tell, Cara Cody Braun and Lana Suomala, will be on hand at this first event.

Doors open at 6:00. Stories begin at 6:30. Tickets are $15 and seating is limited. Attendees must be 18 or older.

Future dates:

October 22 ("Spooky") and November 12 ("That's Awkward")

Simple rules for storytellers

Stories are no more than 5 minutes.
No notes/notecards.
No props/costumes.
Story should be true/mostly true.
No comedy routine.
No religious or political rants or sermons.
Be respectful and not crass.

Finger Knitting a Throw Blanket (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 22:30:00 GMT

$50 material fee per student payable to the instructor at the first part of the class

Winter Scene on Light-Up Ornament with Alcohol Ink (5 Oct 2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Impress your friends by making this light-up alcohol ink ornament. Join Sue Kalseim and make this beautiful ornament that you'll be proud to hang on your tree or give as a gift.

$35 supplies fee payable to instructor at class.

Let's Make Lefse! (6 Oct 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Using the recipe from Battle Lake’s champion lefse maker, Ruth Ukkelberg, Sandy Thimgan will teach you to make lefse with ease. Using potato flakes (they are REAL potatoes, by the way) that lend consistency to the recipe. No worries about how much moisture is in this year’s potato crop, whether more or less flour will be needed, no more boiling pans of water, mashing, ricing…just mix it together and it is perfect every time. Let’s make lefse!

$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class.

(This class will be repeated in November if the October date does not work for you.)

The Hook - Oct 22 (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This month's topic is "Spooky," and eight storytellers will do their best to scare you with their short personal narratives.

Enjoy musical guests Joe and Katie Ahlfs.

Doors open at 6:00. Stories begin at 6:30. Tickets are $15 and seating is limited. Attendees must be 18 or older.

Future date:

November 12 ("That's Awkward")

Simple rules for storytellers

Stories are no more than 5 minutes.
No notes/notecards.
No props/costumes.
Story should be true/mostly true.
No comedy routine.
No religious or political rants or sermons.
Be respectful and not crass.

Snowman Woodcarving & Paint (7 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 15:30:00 GMT

It's that time of the year for winter fun! What better way to start the season than with a woodcarving lesson of a snowman. Joe Hauger will introduce the best and safest knife stroke techniques as well as give you a chance to try different carving knives. We'll briefly touch on topics including carving "with the grain", how to keep the knife sharp, and painting techniques. Knives & gloves provided by the instructor, but feel free to bring your own carving tools. ("Flat plane" style carving knives will work best.) Students will get to take home a completed snowman about the size of a pop can.

This class is open to all adults and minors 12 & older if accompanied by an adult. (The adult wouldn't need to pay if he/she does not carve.)

$5.00 materials fee payable to instructor at class

The Hook - Nov 12 (12 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This month's topic is "That's Awkward," and eight storytellers will do their best to make you cringe with their short personal narratives.

Enjoy musical guests Joe and Katie Ahlfs.

Doors open at 6:00. Stories begin at 6:30. Tickets are $15 and seating is limited. Attendees must be 18 or older.

Simple rules for storytellers

Stories are no more than 5 minutes.
No notes/notecards.
No props/costumes.
Story should be true/mostly true.
No comedy routine.
No religious or political rants or sermons.
Be respectful and not crass.

Easy Clay Christmas Ornaments (16 Nov 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join Terry Shaw as she teaches you to make & personalize clay Christmas ornaments. This 2-part class is for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. On November 16, the first part, we will begin with the basics of rolling out the clay, then use cookie cutters and tools to create one-of-a-kind ornaments which Terry will fire in her kiln. In part 2 on November 23, Terry will provide a variety of glazes to finish our projects and do another firing. Items can be picked up November 30 or after. Art of the Lakes will provide tools and materials. Terry will have a few cookie cutters, but feel free to gather a few of your own!

Participants should bring an old cookie sheet, old apron, towel, and any cookie cutters that you may want to use. Please wear clothing that can get messy.

Materials fee to the instructor of $10

Let's Make Lefse! (18 Nov 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 16:30:00 GMT

$5 materials fee payable to instructor at class.

Easy Clay Christmas Ornaments (23 Nov 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Materials fee to the instructor of $10

Hannukah Latkes & Traditions - make and eat! (5 Dec 2026)

Sat, 05 Dec 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Share Jewish traditions from Hannukah, the Festival of Lights, including stories, songs and making latkes (potato pancakes), then join in a community meal.

2026 Teaching Artist Class Agreement (31 Dec 2026)

Thu, 31 Dec 2026 06:00:00 GMT

This agreement is ONLY for classes that will be taught in calendar year 2026.

If you've confirmed a 2026 class with one of our Programming Committee members, please fill out this 2026 Teaching Artist Class Agreement.

Complete one Class Agreement for each class you will teach.

The Programming Committee will review your Agreement for accuracy, and will determine attendee pricing for the class.

Thank you for sharing your talents and enthusiasm!

2027 Art & Craft Affair (14 Aug 2027)

Sat, 14 Aug 2027 14:00:00 GMT

The 49th annual Art & Craft Affair

Vendors: Apply Here!

Vendors create and sell their own original art and crafts. This one day event is promoted throughout Central Minnesota leading up to the event date. Vendors are encouraged to hang posters and share the event online (posters located at the gallery).

The Art & Craft Affair in downtown Battle Lake was launched in 1977 by the Art of the Lakes Association. Annually, this event draws nearly 5,000 visitors and is held on the 2nd Saturday of August at Railroad Park, located at MN Hwy 78 and County Rd 83 in Battle Lake.

The Art & Craft Affair offers display vendors an opportunity to market creative, handmade, original arts and crafts, and to offer fairgoers, of all ages and economic status, an opportunity to enjoy the event and discover items of interest for purchase and delicious food to eat.

Important Dates:

May 15th - Jury process begins

June 1st - Acceptance notification begins

July 15th - Booth prices increase

After August 1st - Booth assignment emailed or sent (NO refunds after this date)